I buy rare, fine and interesting 18th and 19th century costumes & accessories and only buy the late 19th and 20th century when I find a quirky or unusual piece. 18th century hand block printed woman's dresses; 18th c brocade dresses, whitework fichus; jumps, embroidered aprons, shoes, reticules, mittens. chemises, corsets or stays, underwear, stockings, mittens, bustles and crinoline frames, Regency dresses; Victorian dresses, Victorian shoes and Victorian reticules, straw work hats, collars, Vintage costumes.

Shawls were the essential accessory from the 1780's until 1870's. Woven, embroidered or printed, a collection can be made for modest amounts, which is not only beautiful but historically fascinating, many are strong enough for occasional wear or for decorating the home.

See articles section: Shawls of Kashmir & Paisley Design

Early English embroideries and textiles often have a charmingly naïve quality making them very appealing, whilst European examples of similar date tend to be more sophisticated. All are desirable and visually attractive.

This section includes: English embroideries, crewel wool work, 17th century 'slips' , samplers, silkwork pictures, Georgian, Regency and Victorian embroideries, English woven damasks, brocades & hand block and roller printed textiles, both cotton and linen. European embroideries including Italian, Spanish. I also buy textiles from various parts of the world if they are interesting and appealing. Recently I have had some North American Indian beadwork, Fijian barkcloth and at present have a Racht hanging from Persia.

See articles section:
'Slips' Late 16th - Early 17th Century
Leek Embroidery Society 1880-1900

Arts & Crafts textiles are quite diffiicult to find. I buy Morris & Company woven, printed & embroidered textiles when I can. Also Lindsay Butterfield, CFA Voysey, Leek Embridery Society, Thomas Wardle , John Scarrat Rigby, Liberty's and other late 19th century artist designer pieces.

A very exciting and new area 20th century British Artist Designer. Pieces of printed textiles mounted up make marvellous wallhangings. John Piper, Zandra Rhodes, Vanessa Bell of the Omega Workshops and Terence Conran to name a few.

Always of very fine quality, each piece tells its own story, with symbolic colour and motifs.

Section includes: Chinese, insignia or badges of rank, both civil and military; dragon robes for men and informal jackets and robes for women; Sleevebands in a variety of stitch techniques, including Kesi, Peking Knot or Forbidden Stitch; Han woman's skirts; hats, pouches, mandarin beads, nail protectors, shoes for Manchu and Han women's bound feet; robes for men and women and textiles for hangings; Japanese embroideries.

See articles section: Collecting Chinese Sleeve Bands